TKB Review: 2013 RRD Vision MKII

RRD Says:

The new Vision MKII is our all terrain kite. Since the first introduction of the kite in the market, it has been generating a growing interest from all type of riders in the largest variety of conditions and riding styles. Its simple, lightweight 3 struts design creates a very efficient, easy to use, fast and responsive, sportive engine in your hands. Compared to the first version Vision, the new MKII has been designed and trimmed with slightly more bar pressure to allow better handling of the added constant power we have achieved thanks to a new leading edge arc design. The Vision MKII keeps intact the speed turning factor, a constant unique feature of most of our kites. A new additional reinforced leading edge panels construction and a full Dacron trailing edge make the kite more durable and stronger. Finally the Vision MKII is here to simplify your kiteboarding equipment choice. One kite, any given conditions. Take it freeriding, freestyling, boosting some major air or wave riding in perfect side-shore conditions and you will simply love this kite.

TKB Says:

The 2013 RRD Vision is a 3-strut medium-aspect kite. It has a relatively large leading edge and unique graphics that are sewn into the kite, not screened on like most other graphics. Our testers commented on the Vision’s quick and direct handling, great stability, medium bar pressure, and average upwind and jumping performance.

Our testers felt the Vision is a great all-around kite that will do everything well, but the RRD Obsession has better upwind and jumping performance.

The Vision MKII uses the RRD Global Bar V5 which features a push-away quick release, above bar trim cleat, plastic-coated depower line, and is adjustable so you can use the same bar on all kite sizes. Our testers liked the bungee that helps take up slack in the depower line, which helps prevent having a lot of line dangling when you depower the kite a lot. The bar also features the RRD Rigid Thread lines, which they claim stretch less than other lines. They feel thicker and more stiff than most other stock lines.

Pros:

Great stability.

Quick, direct, predictable handling.

Great all-around do-anything kite that will suit a lot of different riders.